Rocca di Angera
Before setting sail, it’s well worth visiting the Rocca di Angera, a majestic medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop with a breathtaking view of Lake Maggiore.
The castle houses the Museum of Dolls and Toys, which features an extraordinary collection of antique dolls, games, and mechanical toys.
As you stroll through its frescoed halls and medieval gardens, you’ll be immersed in a truly timeless atmosphere
Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
Heading north, the second stop is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, one of the most enchanting sites on the lake. This 13th-century monastery is set into a sheer cliff overlooking the water, offering a breathtaking view. From the motorboat, you can admire its dramatic location before docking and exploring the frescoed church, the peaceful cloisters, and the small panoramic courtyard, where time seems to stand still.
Stresa
Continuing along the western shore of the lake, you reach Stresa, one of the most elegant destinations on Lake Maggiore. Its lakeside promenade, lined with historic Art Nouveau hotels and blooming gardens, is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Stresa is also an excellent starting point for reaching Mottarone, a mountain that offers a 360° view of the Alps and the surrounding lakes. Here, you can enjoy an aperitif with a view or visit the local market to shop for regional specialties.
Borromean Islands
- Isola Bella enchants visitors with the sumptuous Borromeo Palace, a historic residence featuring richly decorated rooms and terraced Italian gardens overlooking the lake. Statues, fountains, and white peacocks create an almost fairytale-like atmosphere.
- Isola dei Pescatori is the most authentic and charming of the three, with its wooden-balconied houses and narrow alleys leading to lakeside restaurants—perfect spots to enjoy local fish specialties, such as perch risotto.
Isola Madre is a green oasis, home to an extraordinary botanical garden filled with rare plants and exotic species, including magnolias, camellias, and centuries-old cypresses. Free-roaming birds such as peacocks and golden pheasants add a magical touch to the experience.
Verbania - Villa Taranto
Continuing the journey, you arrive in Verbania, home to Villa Taranto—an absolute paradise for nature lovers. This botanical garden features over 20,000 plant species from around the world, including giant water lilies, azaleas, tulips, and tropical plants. A walk through its flower-lined paths, fountains, and greenhouses offers a relaxing and fragrant escape, especially enchanting in spring and autumn.
Cannero Riviera and the Castles of Cannero
Heading north, you’ll reach Cannero Riviera, a charming village with a mild climate, known for its peaceful beaches and a beautiful lakeside promenade adorned with flowers and palm trees. Just offshore lie the evocative Castles of Cannero—ruins of ancient fortresses rising from rocky islets in the lake. Shrouded in mystery and legend, these castles are the remnants of medieval strongholds once used by local lords to control lake traffic. Admiring them from the motorboat, especially at sunset, is an unforgettable experience.
Cannobio
Just a few minutes further by boat brings you to Cannobio, one of the most picturesque villages on the lake. Its lively lakeside promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés, and artisan shops, while the historic center is a maze of medieval alleys and colorful houses. A short walk leads to the Orrido di Sant’Anna, a spectacular natural gorge with turquoise waters and waterfalls—perfect for a refreshing swim on warm summer days.
Locarno (Switzerland)
Crossing into Switzerland, you arrive in Locarno, a charming and elegant town known for its mild climate and the renowned Film Festival. The heart of the city is Piazza Grande, a spacious square lined with arcades and historic cafés—perfect for a leisurely stroll. Locarno is also the gateway to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, a hilltop pilgrimage site offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Ascona (Switzerland)
Just a few kilometers from Locarno lies Ascona, a picturesque village with a Mediterranean flair. Its lakeside promenade is lined with pastel-colored houses, elegant restaurants, and art galleries showcasing works by both local and international artists. Ascona is perfect for a romantic stroll, a refined lakeside lunch, or a visit to nearby Monte Verità, once a haven for avant-garde artists and thinkers.